Monday, January 10, 2011

Running in the morning especially when its cold and dark is tough and scary. It is hard to get out of bed and once you do, then it's tough to get out the door because of the temperature.

This morning it was especially cold outside. I made sure to bundle up before I headed out.

It is really hard to smile when you have only been awake for about 15 minutes and you are standing outside in the snow trying to take a picture.

I set out into the dark with my headlamp, reflective vest and little red light (clipped on to my vest). Wearing these things and light colored clothing is important so that drivers can see me. Not too many cars pass me that early in the morning and most of them see me early enough to get over which is nice.

At times the wind was brutally cold but I just kept going. I had so many layers on that I couldn't get to my watch to look at my time. Running in the dark is good because it forces you to slow down which is great for an easy run.

It felt great to get out and run in the morning so I don't have the workout hanging over my head all day! Wearing the headlamp really helps so that I don't fall or trip on anything but that doesn't mean I don't get scared from random noises! Running in the dark takes some getting used to but it is definitely worth it for the peace and quiet!

Do you get scared during dark morning runs? What safety precautions do you take to make sure you are seen on a run?

As always, I am impressed with your discipline! I can get up and run at that time in the summer - but the winter is a whole other story!!

I did get a little nervous on early morning runs this summer towards the end of the summer when it was dark... I wasn't afraid of something happening, I was more so afraid that I wuoldnt' see something on the running path and woudl trip and fall or something like that! I found that my pace was worse in the dark!

You're so right--well worth getting out there and getting it done! Most of my early a.m. dark runs are with friends, so that makes it not so creepy. But when solo, I'm uber aware of my surroundings b/c it is a bit scary.

Most of my runs are in the evening after dark. I've had a few close calls with cars, so I'm very cautious. I wear reflective gear and try to stick to routes where I can stay on sidewalks and away from busy intersections. Stay safe out there!

I run a couple of mornings a week with my neighbour so having a running buddy definitely makes me feel safer. Though we were honked at last Tuesday morning and told we were really hard to see on the side of the road despite all the reflective stuff on our clothing. It was a weirdly dark morning though..

I'm getting super scared in the dark (mornings and nights). I'm soo impressed when people can go for runs during the dark. I wish I wouldn't be such a chicken and get the run our of the way in the morning.

You are so much braver that I ever could be. I do like to get up and run before work but I try to make sure I stay on the sidewalks. I had a very scary moment last week with two dogs roaming the area and one was really vicous that has made me really more nervous about running in the early morning. Plus I really hate cold weather.

Good for you. As cold as it was, you did it. I run with my German Shepherd since I'm an early morning runner as well. Reflective vests, head lights, a reflective collar for the dog - we do it all. What a pain. It takes ages to get dressed for your run then AGES to take it all off again. Can't wait for Spring! (a bit premature but hey...still dreaming).